Le Marche summer tour: a perfect escape if you can’t decide between sea and countryside

Summer is coming, but you still haven't decided on your holiday destination?

No need to rack your brains over the usual sea vs. countryside traveler dilemma, because there's a place that will amaze you with incredible beaches, ethereal landscapes between hills and mountains, vibrant cities and fabulous villages to explore: welcome to Le Marche!

This region of Central Italy is a perfect mix of atmospheres and experiences, halfway between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines, with a countryside rich in history and places to find out nestled among rolling hills.

This summer we're recommending a seven-days road trip discovering Le Marche: we'll follow a simple and undemanding route, yet decidedly satisfying for those seeking unparalleled views to photograph and immersive experiences!

Our summer itinerary in Le Marche spans over a whole week trip, with the possibility of including a few extra stops and locations to visit if you have some more days to enjoy your vacation.

The ideal means of transportation is the car, which allows for flexible travel sessions at your own pace, enabling travelers to consider possible detours to visit special locations not far from the key stops.

The car for this trip can be rented at the Ancona Airport (Falconara Marittima). The entire road itinerary takes about 5 hours and covers a total of approximately 295 km.

Here is the basic schedule for the perfect summer itinerary in Le Marche, day by day:

Day 1: arrival in Ancona by plane and visit to the capital city of the Marche region;

Day 2: visit the towns of Recanati, Porto Recanati and Loreto with views over Conero;

Day 3: visit Marca Fermana including the towns of Torre San Patrizio and Campofilone;

Day 4: visit Treia in the hills of Macerata to discover Pallone col Bracciale;

Day 5: visit Fabriano internationally renowned for its quality paper production;

Day 6: visit the towns of Corinaldo and Mondavio by historical atmospheres and revivals;

Day 7: visit Senigallia with its stunning beaches, elegant views and rock 'n' roll nights.

Road map: from the airport near Falconara Marittima let’s take the SS16 and drive south, approximately 15 minutes x 10 km.

Our summer trip to Le Marche couldn't help but begin in Ancona, a beautiful seaside city and also a regional capital. We'll dedicate this first day to exploring the city, between the wonders of the historic centre and some stunning natural views.

The city's attractions are truly numerous, each one more beautiful than the last! Among Ancona's icons stands out the evocative Mole Vanvitelliana directly overlooking the sea, with its picturesque pentagonal profile. On the hill opposite stands the Citadel of Ancona with its immense green park.

Exploring the historic centre we'll feel amazed by fascinating period buildings such as the Loggia dei Mercanti and Palazzo Benincasa, Teatro delle Muse, Palazzo Baldi and Palazzo Mengoni-Ferretti. Don't miss the oldest part of Ancona by climbing Colle Guasco, where you can admire the Cathedral of San Ciriaco and the ruins of the amphitheater.

At the foot of Guasco there are the Arches of Trajan and Clementine, monumental works that enhance the aesthetics of Ancona's ancient harbor - known as Arena sul Mare. Concerts and shows are held here annually, especially in summer!

Ancona offers interesting places for those seeking direct touch with nature and the sea too, in particular the Passetto Park. This area offers small rocky coves, tourist caves to explore and scenic trails, ideal for enjoying the seaside atmosphere from a more adventurous perspective without leaving the city.

Road map: from Ancona let’s take the SS16 and drive south to Porto Recanati, about 45 minutes x 37 km. Alternatively, from Ancona let’s take the SP1 Conero to Sirolo/Numana and continue to Porto Recanati, approximately 50 minutes x 33 km.

After visiting Ancona, it's time for an exciting day of travel that perfectly combines the sea, the countryside and charming towns. And we'll do it in the spirit of poetry by honoring Giacomo Leopardi, the most iconic author of the Marche region.

By choosing the route that follows the perimeter of the Conero Coast, in addition to enjoying a magnificent view of the promontory overlooking the sea, you can spend the early hours of the day exploring the most beautiful beaches of Sirolo and Numana, such as Spiaggia Urbani and Spiaggia del Frate. Numana also has a picturesque tourist port.

Continuing along the coastal road, or taking the SS16 directly through the hinterland, you'll reach Porto Recanati. This charming seaside town is ideal for spending a morning on the beach - with a view of Mount Conero to your left! - especially if you also enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore.

Just a 15-minute drive inland brings us to Recanati, Leopardi's birthplace and the place that inspired Infinito, one of the most beautiful poems in Italian literature. Here you can visit the Leopardi House Museum (usually open until 5:30 PM on weekdays and 6:30 PM on weekends) and the picturesque Church of Santa Maria di Montemorello right in front of the museum. Also not to be missed is Piazza Leopardi, a stunning sight amidst flawlessly designed historic buildings and the statue dedicated to the author.

If you have some time left and want to see another incredible place in the Marche region by yourself, Recanati is just a 10-minute drive from Loreto. Here the monumental Piazza della Madonna awaits us, with the majestic Sanctuary of Loreto.

Road map: from Porto Recanati let’s take the SS16 and drive south to Porto San Giorgio, then follow the signs to Fermo and continue on the SP239. Beyond the Tenna River, follow the signs for Torre San Patrizio, approximately 60 minutes x 50 km.

Our summer travel itinerary in Le Marche continues to a new stop with a literary flavor, although this time it’s not about Italian literature. We're in Torre San Patrizio, a charming village with an Irish spirit - as the name itself suggests - which was the home of British author Margaret Collier.

Her most famous work, Our Home by the Adriatic, was written while admiring the scenic wonders of this place halfway between the sea and the mountains. If you'd like to learn more about her story, we can dedicate some time to visiting the author's home, that is Villa Zara, which also includes a green park where you can relax, take inspiring walks and perhaps even sunbathe a bit.

As you stroll through the historic centre, amid panoramic terraces, elegant bell towers, cobbled streets and ancient walls, we recommend visiting the evocative Church Madonna delle Rose. It's a small church, but one of great artistic and cultural importance: inside, you can admire the fresco Madonna del Latte by Pierpalma da Fermo, dating back to 1466.

Another reason to visit Torre San Patrizio is the excellent cuisine you can enjoy here, simple yet absolutely delicious. And speaking of good food and authentic products, about 40 minutes south there’s the town of Campofilone, famous for its production of Maccheroncini di Campofilone IGP.

Every summer in August a festival is held here to celebrate this exceptional pasta, the perfect opportunity to sample the delicacies of Italian cuisine in the unique setting of the Marche region.

Not far away along the coast we’ll also find the town of Pedaso, ideal for a stroll on the beach or enjoying a sea view on the picturesque Lungomare dei Cantautori. The mussel festival is held here in August too.

Road map: from Fermo let’s head to Porto San Giorgio/Santa Maria a Mare following the SP16 and from there continue on the SS16 to Civitanova Marche. From there, let’s take the SS77 and follow the signs for Treia, approximately 60 minutes x 65 km.

A cultural and landscape journey through Le Marche in summer cannot help but include one of the villages that have most shaped the history of this region. We are in Treia, in the hills of the province of Macerata, an immensely evocative place with incredible views that ispired literature and stories of a legendary sport.

If you think football has always been Italy's national sport, visiting Treia will change your mind. This is indeed the land of Pallone col Bracciale, a sport with ancient origins (dating back to the renaissance) that enjoyed incredible popularity until the early twentieth century. In summer, here in Treia, you can revive the excitement of a legendary sport by visiting the town on the first Sunday in August, with the celebration of the spectacular Disfida del Bracciale.

If you love countryside festivals and want to taste traditional cuisine, Treia and its surrounding areas also host gourmet food events during the summer. The most important is the roast pork festival in July.

Treia also boasts a truly evocative historic centre, full of breathtaking attractions. We recommend you visit the monumental Piazza della Repubblica with us, offering a wonderful view of the hills and a setting of rare beauty, featuring historic buildings that combine renaissance style with neoclassical elegance. These include the Church of San Filippo, Accademia Georgica and the Town Hall.

Also not to be missed the Onglavina Tower at the southern end of the town and the numerous gates carved into the ancient walls, such as Porta Cassara and Porta San Martino. And for a truly comprehensive visit, join us in discovering Treia's historic villas!

Road map: from Treia let’s take the SP361 west to Castelraimondo, and from there we continue on the SS256 north to Matelica/Cerreto d’Esi, following the signs to Fabriano, approximately 60 minutes x 60 km.

Our summer journey through Le Marche takes us today to discover the historic town of paper, a place with an irresistible charm featuring historic buildings and truly unique experiences. We are in Fabriano, acknowledged as UNESCO Creative City too, a jewel with a breathtaking mountain panorama from the Sibillini Mountains to Monte Cucco.

The heart of Fabriano is Piazza del Comune, with the iconic Sturinalto Fountain dating back to 1285, in the middle. It's a must-see here to admire the incredible view this historic town offers, with historic buildings and architecture that evokes novel-like vibes. The most important attractions are Palazzo Podestà, Palazzo Vescovile and Loggiato S. Francesco.

While strolling through Fabriano, we can also take time to visit other attractions, such as the Cathedral of San Venanzio and the sumptuous Oratorio del Gonfalone. Don't miss the town's most authentic historical landmark: the Paper and Watermark Museum, a fantastic gallery where you can rediscover the art and passion of artisan paper-making.

Fabriano also offers unmissable views for those wishing to explore the surrounding hamlets. It's the ideal opportunity for a bit of hiking or biking, enjoying the cool mountain air. We suggest visiting Valleremita and its Hermitage of Santa Maria Val di Sasso, or the hamlet of Piaggiasecca on the border with Umbria, nestled among woods and waterfalls.

There's no shortage of important summer events, too. The most important is Palio di San Giovanni in June, a medieval reenactment that lights up the town with period costumes, jousts and tournaments, workshops, banquets and extraordinary artistic flower displays. If you love all things pop, nerd and fantasy, Fabriano in August hosts one of the most interesting themed events in Italy!

Road map: from western Fabriano let’s take the SP16 and drive north to Sassoferrato and Pergola, then continue on the SP424 to Mondavio and Corinaldo, approximately 60 minutes x 50 km.

In summer Marche region not only solves an eternal dilemma between sea and mountains, but also offers those lucky enough to visit its magical villages an immersive experience in the historic and fairytale atmospheres this region boasts.

These same sensations are clear when visiting Corinaldo and Mondavio, two gems waiting to be discovered on the two sides of the Cesano river, in the provinces of Ancona and Pesaro-Urbino, respectively. This area of Marche is particularly appealing for those who love camping - or even better glamping - a charming solution for quiet summer nights!

The historic centre of Corinaldo is a true gem, perfectly preserved over the centuries and an ideal subject for photographs to cherish. The fortified citadel extends upward, an urban feature that has also become its main tourist attraction: the Piaggia Staircase, which connects the heart of these stone alleys with the gate Porta Santa Maria del Mercato, and of course the iconic Polenta Well.

Other must-see attractions in Corinaldo include the Piazza del Cassero with the Churches of Suffragio and Addolorata, the Bell Tower of San Pietro and the evocative Himalayan cedar. Outside the walls there’s also the birthplace of Santa Maria Goretti, now sanctuary.

Summer in Corinaldo also means great music and concerts to enjoy in the picturesque setting of a historic village, yet another reason to immerse yourself in the magic of these places accompanied by the warm sounds of jazz.

If you want to further experience the history of the Marche region and the beauty of its hinterland, in the small village of Mondavio we will visit the evocative Rovere Castle. Every summer, this exceptional noble castle hosts a historical reenactment of the traditional wild boar hunt, an event that culminates with a sumptuous renaissance banquet in costume featuring exclusively period dishes.

Road map: from Corinaldo let’s take the SP12 eastbound, following signs for Senigallia, approximately 25 minutes x 20 km.

For the last day of our week-long trip during summer in Le Marche we return to the coast to visit a city capable of surprising with its many sides. We're in Senigallia, only 30 minutes by car from Ancona (approximately 35 km), where you'll find beautiful and welcoming beaches, but also a historic centre with a lot of majestic period buildings, a picturesque port and events with an amazing energy.

A stroll through Senigallia can be extremely evocative. The city's key attraction is the iconic and imposing Della Rovere Fortress, which dominates Piazza del Duca. A few steps away, we also reach elegant Piazza Roma, home to the town hall and lined with shops.

Also not to be missed is Piazza Garibaldi, the largest square in Senigallia, where the profile of the Parish Cathedral of San Pietro stands out alongside the luxurious historic buildings that line the square's perimeter. It's worth exploring the town at your own pace though, as every street and square offers truly fascinating views.

Approaching the coast it's impossible not to spot the rotonda overlooking the sea in front of Piazza Libertà. From here you can stroll along the seafront, crossing the bridge over the Misa river and approaching the harbor of Senigallia. A port with a magical atmosphere, especially with the vibrant colors of summer sunsets, perhaps best admired next to the evocative statue of Senigallia’s Penelope at the end of the Banchina di Levante.

Beyond the port lies a long stretch of beaches with fine sand, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing bath in the sea.

But in the summer Senigallia's energy really comes alive with its extraordinary events filled with excitement, music and entertainment. Between July and August, the city could feel like it's been transported back in time, with the glamorous charm of '80s nights or the rhythm and lightheartedness of the international festival dedicated to American pop culture from the '40s and '50s.

An unparalleled spectacle of jazz, swing, country and rock 'n' roll music and dance, with countless attractions all around every corner of Senigallia: the perfect atmosphere for a great time to enjoy and a farewell to the Marche region after an intense week of travel!

Do you still have a few days to spend in the Marche region? No problem!

Here are some extra destinations you can visit in addition to the places we've explored together on this summer itinerary:

- Visit at least one of the cities of Fermo, Ascoli, Macerata and Urbino, where you'll discover an incredible heritage of art and history which have shaped the history of Le Marche, century after century, from the times of Ancient Rome to the contemporary era;

- Visit the Conero promontory with a full-immersion hike, discovering Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle (Two Sisters Beach) and attractions like the Badia San Pietro al Conero and the Passo del Lupo viewpoint, accessible only on foot;

- Visit the village of Sarnano if you're looking for the unique wellness of thermal baths surrounded by greenery at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains, also ideal for immersive hikes among woods and waterfalls;

- Visit the village of Montefano if you love seasonal blooms and don't want to miss the wonder of vast fields of sunflowers blooming under the summer sun;

- visit the picturesque Malatesta Castle in Gradara, which was the setting for the haunted love story between Paolo and Francesca, poetically depicted by Dante in the verses of Hell in his Divine Comedy.